Find the top rated running trails in Shawnee, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This was an awesome ride.. I did a total of 63 miles of this trail.. trail could use some better markings along the way.. I started at Washington court.. rode though a nice park, but then had to go through an industrial park to get to the trial.. TrailLink did not show another trailhead on it's map that would have saved me about 2 miles going though that industrial park..
It was a very hot day that day.. but mostly the trail was covered in trees, there are a lot of areas or stretch's of trail that are out in open country and hardly any trees to take advantage of shade.. on that hot day, it was kind of rough to get through that area... lots of country side to see.. some of the trial got rough due to braking up of the pavement.. but still wasn't too bad.. road all the way down to Chillicothe, ate at a restaurant called "Sumburger".. cooled off there for a couple of hours (It was really hot out there) people in there was very nice.. they do have charging plugs in there to recharge you phone or battery if you have an e-bike.. thought that was cool...
All in all it was a great ride.. planning to head back there this fall when the fall colors are in..
My brother and myself rode this trail on July 23-24. We started at the Nelsonville Train Station where there is plenty of parking. Took many pictures of railroad cars and there was an active train that added to the fun. Note: The train station was not open and there are limited times so check the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway website. The day was very warm; one thing - there is plenty of shade on this trail until you get to Ohio University where it opens up. The trail is well paved and maintained. Early in the trip, we passed Hocking College and Robbins Crossing Historical Village. From my understanding, the village is open only on weekends. You can still walk around the buildings. A little after the Beaumont-Salina trailhead, we came across a beautiful image painted on a side of a shed (one part is a blue train engine labeled as Conrail Quality) - we stumbled across this riding off the trail just a bit. Next was the town of The Plains. Home of Joe Burrow. You can find his field a little off the trail. We had a great meal and service at the Eclipse Company Store. Both had one of their specialty beers. Ohio University will be next with a golf course right there as well. There are some community gardens that follow. The trail will continue for a few more miles and then ends at S Canaan Rd. The last few miles it runs parallel to a highway and there is not much to see. We had a nice few days staying in Nelsonville at the Primrose B&B. We had wondered where the word HockHocking originated. The Delaware Indians named the river Hockhocking (after which it was changed to Hocking). The word means 'a bottle' in their tongue and was derived from the fact there is a waterfall about 6 miles north of the city of Lancaster. The stream is straight and narrow above these falls but then swells like a bottle below them. Found this in a book where we had stayed at.
Excellent trail. We parked at the Pickerington Ponds Park trailhead. There are bathrooms there with running water/sewer even though the map doesn't show it. Plenty of parking and nice park in its own right. The trail starts right at the parking lot. If I had one complaint, there could be more pronounced maps and signs along the trail. We missed the trail towards 3 Creeks Park and continued northeast through Portman Park and up Hines Road.
Note: The map shows a break in the pavement for about 200 yards or so just south of Refugee road. It's pavement straight through now.
The section along Hines Road up to Trussing is OK, but the trail is a modified sidewalk along the road, and the road is loud and busy, and crossing the side streets can be concerning. I realized we were going the wrong way when we got to Trussing Rd. and we turned around. Backtracking we saw the sign we missed and got back on course.
The segment starting where the path leaves Hines Road, to the Three Creeks Park trailhead, is fantastic. There is lots of shade. The trail passes a lot of nice parks and things. We saw deer along the trail. The trail goes over or under many busy roads that we would otherwise have to cross. The uphill's and downhills are gradual. All and all this is a great trail. We will definitely come back.
Started on the north part of the trail going south. It switchbacks around a lot of major road infrastructure, but I didn’t have to cross a major road in any of the sections. I ended up getting a bit lost multiple times, but after about 3 miles in, it got a bit easier to navigate. It’s all paved and the part I road on was mostly good with a few sections of bumps. Definitely close to nature - i saw deer, rabbits, and a hawk catch another bird.
Really enjoyed this trail. We were thankful for all the shade since it was in the 90's. We stayed at the Lodge of Hocking College which was on the trail in Nelsonville. Highly recommend.
Fun variety of beautiful views. Trail was clean but could have had better markers in a few locations. Had to consult map several times.
Watch out for mud over the trail at the river just south of the Greenlawn Avenue bridge near Lou Berliner Park.
7 mile trail that is very straight, very flat with sections of shade and sun. There are a handful of roads that cross the trail so stops are at a minimal. There are several structures and benches to stop and relax at. The first part of the trail runs between a swamp and later the Leatherwood Creek with the back end running along OH State Route 265. There is a good size park at mile 6 that has some parking. The trail dead ends at mile 7 with no access for vehicles. There appears to be room for expansion beyond mile 7 someday.
My husband and I walked this beginning to end and back in 48 mins. Not bad for my husband with a bad knee and hip plus we are both bariatric patients
Wow! After reading previous reviews of cinder, grass and ping pong size gravel, I wondered what I was getting into. I don't like gravel and bumpy rides. Others can ride unpaved trails if they desire, but I prefer smooth trails. What a pleasant and welcome surprise to see that the trail has a surface of asphalt. I didn't see any cracks or problems, so it must be fairly new. It is an easy straight ride out and back. It goes along the canal and farmlands, and is mostly covered with a canopy of trees. The covered bridge was another little surprise.
TraiI is CLOSED. I wanted to go on the trail on June 12, 2025 but the trail and road in Toboso were closed for major construction. I don't know for how long. Best to verify that is it open before making the effort to go into the park. It loos amazing, so I will return someday.
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